Life as the Queen is pretty luxurious. There are maids to help one get dressed each day and footmen to serve delicious beverages and food. Still, this particular Queen grows very dissatisfied especially with her daily cup of tea. To find out what is wrong with her brew she commands her butler to accompany her to find the perfect cup of tea. A whirlwind journey to Japan, India and back to England by hot air balloon leads the Queen to children of various cultures who invite her to make and share tea with them. The text includes step-by-step recipes for each brew which is quite lovely.

When the Queen returns to her palace she realises what is missing from her own cup of tea – friendship. The book finishes with a Queen who is not so dependent on her flunkies and a wonderful tea party for all her new friends. Ahhhhh, the perfect cup of tea at last!

A very different way to examine some self growth, this is beautifully illustrated and a delight to read.